The 2018 Allstate Sugar Bowl features a third consecutive matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Clemson Tigers—this time in a College Football Playoff semifinal.

In the past two years, these programs squared off in the national championship game as the Nos. 1 and 2 schools in the country.

In 2017, Clemson finished 12-1 and won the ACC Championship Game to clinch the top playoff spot. Alabama missed out on the SEC Championship Game after losing its first contest to Auburn in the Iron Bowl.